Wheeler “Jake” Hinshaw, 73, of Arnolds Park, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Lakes Regional Hospital in Spirit Lake.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held, at 10:30am, Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. Visitation will be held, from 5-7pm, on Tuesday, at the church. A private family burial will take place in the Okoboji Cemetery in Arnolds Park. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com.
Wheeler J. “Jake” Hinshaw was born on November 14, 1949, in Estherville, Iowa, to Wheeler and Martha (Abrams) Hinshaw. He was raised along with three brothers in Arnolds Park, Iowa, and was a 1968 graduate of Arnolds Park High School.
In 1970, Jake joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Ulysses S. Grant (SSBN-631), a submarine home-ported in Charleston, South Carolina. On February 26, 1971, Jake was united in marriage with Linda Jean Skelton in Ruthven, Iowa. After his military service ended the couple returned to Iowa and made their home in Arnolds Park. They raised four children together and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2021.
Jake had a very strong devotion to both his family and his community. He served in many civic roles over the years including city councilman, parks board member as well as the mayor of Arnolds Park for eight years. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista College and worked as a human resources manager.
An avid outdoorsman, Jake loved spending his free time fishing and hunting. He especially enjoyed going on weeklong deer hunting trips with his sons and good friends. He also helped teach hunters safety courses to local area enthusiasts for many years, yet another example of his passion for the outdoors and community service.
Jake passed away unexpectedly on June 7, 2023. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, husband, brother, and friend. He will be missed dearly by his children and many others that truly knew him.
Left to cherish his memory are his three sons—Michael (Jenny) Hinshaw of Andover, MN; Chris (Julie) Hinshaw of Milford, IA; Brian (Amie) Hinshaw of Arnolds Park, IA and one daughter—Mary (Travis) Olson of Wallingford, IA; ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild, siblings—Bob (Linda) Hinshaw of Spirit Lake, IA; Frank (Jamie) Hinshaw of Lewisville, TX; Eric Hinshaw of Ruthven, IA and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Linda Hinshaw and his parents.